Operator of major U.S. pipeline says cyberattack forced shutdown of thousands of miles of piping

The operator of a major U.S. pipeline network on the East Coast says that it was the victim of a cyberattack that forced the temporary shutdown of all of its fuel piping.

The Colonial Pipeline Company said in a press release that on Friday it “learned it was the victim of a cybersecurity attack.” 

The company on its website says it transports 100 million gallons of fuel daily through its 5,500 miles of pipeline. It services 14 states and seven airports. 

“In response, we proactively took certain systems offline to contain the threat, which has temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of our IT systems,” the statement continued. 

“Upon learning of the issue, a leading, third-party cybersecurity firm was engaged, and they have already launched an investigation into the nature and scope of this incident, which is ongoing. We have contacted law enforcement and other federal agencies.”